Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 [eul/l jul alda] (Know how to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 [eul/l jul alda] (Know how to)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다, which is used to express "know how to [do something]". By understanding this structure, you'll be able to talk about your abilities and skills in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 is used to indicate that someone knows how to perform a certain action. It conveys the idea of having the knowledge or skill to do something.

Structure

The structure combines a verb stem with 을/ㄹ 줄 알다:

• Verb Stem + 을 줄 알다 (when the verb stem ends with a consonant)
• Verb Stem + ㄹ 줄 알다 (when the verb stem ends with a vowel)

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem Ending	Conjugation	Example Verb	Conjugated Form
Consonant	Verb Stem + 을 줄 알다	먹다 (to eat)	먹을 줄 알다
Vowel	Verb Stem + ㄹ 줄 알다	가다 (to go)	가ㄹ 줄 알다

Detailed Explanation

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the infinitive form.
   • 먹다 → 먹
   • 가다 → 가
2. Determine the Ending:
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add 을 줄 알다.
   • If it ends with a vowel, add ㄹ 줄 알다.
3. Construct the Sentence:
   • I know how to eat: 먹을 줄 알아요.
   • I know how to go: 갈 줄 알아요.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~을/ㄹ 수 있다

• ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다: Emphasizes knowledge or skill in performing an action.
  • 예: 저는 수영할 줄 알아요. (I know how to swim.)
• ~을/ㄹ 수 있다: Expresses possibility or ability to perform an action.
  • 예: 저는 수영할 수 있어요. (I can swim.) Note: While both express ability, 줄 알다 is about knowing how, whereas 수 있다 is about being able to do it.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech (습니다/ㅂ니다)

1. 저는 피아노를 칠 줄 압니다.
   • jeoneun piano-reul chil jul abnida.
   • I know how to play the piano.
2. 그분은 중국어를 말할 줄 압니다.
   • geubuneun junggugeo-reul malhal jul abnida.
   • That person knows how to speak Chinese.

Informal Polite Speech (아요/어요)

1. 언니는 요리할 줄 알아요.
   • eonnineun yori-hal jul arayo.
   • My older sister knows how to cook.
2. 저는 자전거를 탈 줄 몰라요.
   • jeoneun jajeongeo-reul tal jul mollayo.
   • I don't know how to ride a bicycle.

Informal Speech (아/어)

1. 너 수영할 줄 알아?
   • neo suyeong-hal jul ara?
   • Do you know how to swim?
2. 친구는 노래할 줄 몰라.
   • chingu-neun norae-hal jul molla.
   • My friend doesn't know how to sing.

Written Context

1. 그는 시를 쓸 줄 압니다.
   • geuneun si-reul sseul jul abnida.
   • He knows how to write poems.
2. 학생들이 지도를 볼 줄 알아요.
   • haksaengdeuri jido-reul bol jul arayo.
   • The students know how to read maps.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis on Learning: In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on learning and acquiring skills. Expressing that you know how to do something reflects dedication and effort.
• Humility: Even when skilled, Koreans may downplay their abilities, so saying 잘 못해요 (I'm not good at it) is common even if they know how.

Levels of Politeness

• Use 압니다/압니까 for formal situations or when speaking to elders and superiors.
• Use 알아요/알아요? for everyday conversations.
• Use 알아/알아? with close friends or those younger than you.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 길을 알다: To know the way.
• 마음을 알다: To understand someone's feelings.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Remove -다:
   • Incorrect: 먹다을 줄 알아요.
   • Correct: 먹을 줄 알아요.
2. Using 모르다 Incorrectly:
   • 모르다 is the negative form of 알다.
   • Incorrect: 저는 영어를 말할 줄 알지 않아요.
   • Correct: 저는 영어를 말할 줄 몰라요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember Consonant + 을, Vowel + ㄹ.
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • 하다 (to do): 할 줄 알아요
  • 보다 (to see): 볼 줄 알아요
  • 먹다 (to eat): 먹을 줄 알아요

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 means "to know how to" do something.
• Attach 을 줄 알다 after verb stems ending with a consonant.
• Attach ㄹ 줄 알다 after verb stems ending with a vowel.
• Negative form is ~을/ㄹ 줄 모르다 (do not know how to).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 저는 춤___ 줄 알아요. (춤추다)
   • Answer: 출 (춤추다 → 춤출 줄 알아요.)
2. True or False: ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 and ~을/ㄹ 수 있다 can be used interchangeably.
   • Answer: False
3. Translate: Do you know how to drive a car?
   • Answer: 자동차를 운전할 줄 알아요?

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You now have a solid understanding of how to use ~을/ㄹ 줄 알다 to express knowing how to do something in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more fluent!

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